archaeology

The Phoenicians were an ancient civilization that emerged in 1800 B.C. in the northern Levant and by 800 B.C. had spread their culture across the Mediterranean to parts of Asia, Europe and Africa through trade networks and settlements. Despite their…

Previous research has predicted a significant rise in sea levels over the next several centuries as a result of climate change. A new study from PLOS ONE shows how sea-level rise could impact vast numbers of archaeological and historic sites,…

Brain-cooling experiment may help ease epilepsy someday About 50 million people worldwide deal with sudden, recurring seizures that are the hallmark of epilepsy. Treatment with medication or surgery does not work for some patients, so scientists have been investigating a…

One of the most extensive assemblages of human bones from Europe’s Magdalenian culture (which lasted from about 12,000 to 17,000 years BP) can be found at Gough’s Cave in Somerset, U.K. Many of these bones bear cuts and damage, but…

Settlers and nomads may have cooperated on the frontier of the Roman Empire Historians tell of Huns and other nomads attacking settlements on the edge of the Roman Empire during the fifth century. However, analysis of isotopes in bone collagen,…

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on some of our most popular PLOS Research News articles since the site’s inception in July of this year. Here are our 10 most read research stories featuring PLOS content that published…

In 1925, researchers discovered the first Australopithecus africanus fossil in South Africa – the skull of an early human ancestor thereafter referred to as the ‘Taung Child.’ While this finding helped shape scientists’ understanding of human evolution, there is little evidence…

Ancient artifacts found at an archeological site in Argentina suggest that humans occupied South America earlier than previously thought. Approximately 13,000 years ago, a prehistoric group of hunter-gathers known as the Clovis people lived in Northern America. Previous research suggests…

DNA profiling is often used for identification in crime scene investigations and in archaeological digs because DNA is unique to each individual. However, environmental and chemical processes can degrade DNA, limiting its usefulness over time. Protein, on the other hand,…

Small mammal husbandry in Ancient Mexico Residents of the ancient Mexican city of Teotihuacan may have managed and bred rabbits and hares for food, fur and bone tools, according to new archaeological evidence. The authors say their findings could be…